Bayer Leverkusen is enjoying a remarkable resurgence, while Borussia Dortmund finds itself in a troubling slump. The contrasting fortunes of these two prominent German teams from last season highlight the increasing pressure in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen has achieved ten consecutive victories across all competitions, reinforcing their status as defending Bundesliga champions. This impressive streak has allowed them to close the gap on Bayern Munich, currently sitting just four points behind the leaders, while also placing them fourth in the Champions League standings. Although they have yet to match last season’s remarkable 51-game unbeaten streak, Alonso’s success has solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after coaches in the sport as they prepare for a crucial match against Borussia Moenchengladbach.
In stark contrast, Nuri Sahin’s Dortmund is struggling to find form, managing only one win in their last seven outings, including a disappointing 4-2 defeat to relegation-threatened Holstein Kiel. Sahin described the performance as “shameful” and accepted responsibility for the team’s struggles, which have seen them drop to 10th place in the Bundesliga, just five points shy of Champions League qualification. Despite the pressure, the club has publicly stated that Sahin’s position is not in jeopardy, though his inexperience raises questions about the management’s decision to appoint him following Edin Terzic’s resignation after last season’s Champions League final.
The recent matchup between Leverkusen and Dortmund, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Leverkusen, further illustrated the challenges both teams face. While Leverkusen has adapted well to the absence of first-choice striker Victor Boniface, with Patrik Schick stepping up to score 11 goals in the past two months, Dortmund has struggled with defensive lapses, conceding three goals to Leverkusen in the opening 19 minutes despite dominating possession. As they prepare for a pivotal clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, Dortmund must address these issues to revive their season. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich continues to thrive, hosting Wolfsburg on Saturday with an unblemished record in 2025, amid ongoing speculation regarding the futures of key players, including Leroy Sané.
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